For Children and Adults

Dr. Ebert specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities to achieve the best function, balance and harmony between the teeth and face. Crooked or crowded teeth can contribute to poor oral health. An attractive smile can greatly enhance a person's self-esteem and self-confidence. People of all ages have orthodontic treatment for healthier teeth and gums as well as to receive the full benefits of properly aligned teeth.

Orthodontic treatment can correct many problems including:

• Teeth that are crooked, crowded or have noticeable gaps
• Upper teeth that protrude or cover too much or too little of the lower teeth
• Upper teeth that fit inside the lower teeth (crossbite)
• Upper and lower teeth that don't fit as they're designed to function

ORTHODONTICS FOR CHILDREN:

By age 7, most children have lost some front baby teeth and are getting new permanent teeth. Teeth eruption and alignment problems often show up. It is a great time to have the facial growth and dental development of your child assessed by an orthodontist, a specialist in facial growth and dental alignment. We can discuss any teeth concerns, advise if orthodontic treatment would be beneficial, and discuss treatment timing.

Many problems can be treated with one phase of treatment when most of the permanent teeth have erupted (usually at age 12 or 13). However, some jaw and tooth position problems are easier to correct if they're treated early and will worsen if left untreated until later. These untreated problems can create an unhealthy environment for the growth and development of a child's face, jaws, teeth, gums, facial muscles and speech. There are many options to assist a child's growth and allow for the best, most functional and attractive smile possible. Our goal is to provide each patient with the appropriate treatment at the appropriate time.

EARLY TREATMENT CAN OFTEN MINIMIZE FUTURE ORTHODONTIC PROBLEMS AND ENHANCE JAW GROWTH, DENTAL DEVELOPMENT, JAW FUNCTION, AND SELF-ESTEEM.

Beautiful arches can be developed without bulky upper jaw expanders using our system of low-friction forces, high-tech wires, and light forces. This arch development helps correct crowding and upper jaw narrowness. This arch development is NOT from tooth tipping or moving the teeth outside of their supporting bone. This arch development comes from movement of the teeth within the bone. Traditional orthodontic systems have high friction and require heavier forces which prevent natural arch development. Upper jaw (palatal) expanders are often required in traditional orthodontic systems to correct crowding and jaw narrowness.

A first phase of treatment provides the opportunity to:

• Improve jaw and facial growth
• Reduce the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
• Guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions
• Correct harmful oral habits
• Improve appearance and self-esteem
• Improve the function of the lips, jaw muscles and tongue

ORTHODONTICS FOR ADOLESCENTS:

Age 12 or 13 is a very common time to have orthodontic treatment. At this age most of the permanent teeth have erupted. Facial growth is still occurring, which can assist in orthodontic corrections. braces are generally placed on most of the teeth. Usually rubber bands are worn during treatment to help the upper and lower teeth fit together properly. Depending on the dental and skeletal relationships, other appliances may also be used to achieve the optimal fit of the teeth and jaws. Retainers are worn after treatment to maintain the orthodontic correction.

ORTHODONTICS FOR ADULTS:

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. One of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21. Jaw surgery is more often required for adult orthodontic patients because their jaws are not growing. Adults also may have experienced some breakdown or loss of their teeth and the bone that supports the teeth and may require periodontal treatment before, during, and/or after orthodontic treatment. Bone loss can also limit the amount and direction of tooth movement that is advisable.